I have a great interest in counterfeit bills and coins. I mostly hear about people counterfeiting bills these days....never coins. But I can't seem to find any. I'd like to own a few current fake bills. Where could I get them? Also, which book would you suggest that covers the basics of counterfeit coins and ways of detecting them? Thanks
I find counterfeits very interesting too. I recently purchased a counterfeit coin because of it's historical significance. I had known about this coin for many years, and had always wanted one. Well I finally found one at a great price, and pulled the trigger on it. Although far from being the most valuable Jefferson nickel I own, it is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting. My example is slightly better than this one: Hennig Nickel (click here)
rolltide, You have to be careful with counterfeit currency and coins. Especially ones that are still in circulation. Most modern forgeries are not very good. Currency tends to be a lost art. It is too easy to use a quality copier and bad paper. If you look for obsolete notes, these were done by using actual counterfeited engraving plates. Fantastic pieces. Some of the better ones actually sell at good prices. Check with the larger currency dealers for any they might have. Coins are a little harder to counterfeit these days. The most current I am aware of is the Platinum tenth ounce. Many old counterfeit coins can be found. The Spanish Reales of Eight is a heavily copied coin. Usually they are cast, but still cool conversation pieces. We have many counterfeits that we use to educate others. We permanently mark them, so that they will never again be used to fool a collector. I would suggest that if you wish to obtain some examples that you let as many dealers and collectors know. This way you can have many eyes looking.
I found a couple counterfeit morgans on ebay a while back. The lady was in the philipines. Kind of a wierd place if you ask me. They do look pretty good, the detail all there. They are just a bit lighter in weight.
I would strongly recommend that collectors stay away from dealing with anyone in the orient. Too many fakes coming out of that side of the world.
Yes, I've already checked it out. All Jefferson nickel collectors owe you a big thanks. Keep up the good work, Jason. Truly, Jody
